BURSITIS

A bursa is a fluid filled sac that acts as a cushion between muscle, tendon and joints. It may become inflamed and swollen which results in swelling, stiffness and pain. Bursitis results from overuse, direct injury, impingement, muscle inflexibility and other causes. Frequent area that bursitis develops are in the knees, hips, shoulder, and elbows. Activities involving running, throwing or repetitive activities may predispose individuals to bursitis. Age also plays an important role in developing bursitis, as tendons become less flexible.

The most common symptom of bursitis is pain. Pain occurs around the joint area, an achy pain, swelling, and stiffness of the affected area. Increased activity will aggravate symptoms. Generally rest will improve symptoms.

Typical treatment of bursitis includes; relative rest, physical therapy, modalities, anti-inflammatory medications and fluoroscopic or ultrasound guided injections. Prevention is very important and attempting to minimize overuse activities, stretching muscles to improve flexibility and minimizing.

Bursa Injection: Targeted Bursa injection may be needed to help facilitate the healing process and decrease the inflammation and pain. Ultrasound guidance is commonly used to help improve accuracy of bursa injections as the needle can be more accurately localized with direct guidance. The injection contains a solution of corticosteroid and pain medications.